DragonBall Daima Episode 2 Review: Stunning Animation, Deep Lore, and an Exciting New Journey
A Masterpiece of Animation and Storytelling Crafted by Yuya Takahashi and Zedd
A Visual and Storytelling Marvel
Episode 2 of Dragon Ball Daima continues to deliver a visual and narrative treat for long-time fans of the franchise. Directed with incredible attention to detail by Yuya Takahashi and accompanied by a stunning opening sequence created by Zedd, this episode solidifies Daima’s place as a pivotal addition to the Dragon Ball universe. The episode picks up immediately after the Z Fighters' surprising transformation into children, with Shenron granting three wishes—but there's a twist. It seems Shenron only grants wishes to those he's familiar with, meaning he reserves his power for regular summoners like the Z Fighters, leaving new faces out of luck. This limitation sets the stage for more magical intrigue while offering a glimpse into the complex rules of Dragon Balls.
The episode's overall design is breathtaking, with Takahashi's artistic style capturing the beauty of the characters' new childlike forms. From the mischievous excitement of Bulma and Master Roshi relishing their younger bodies to the utter shock from Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Krillin, the animation breathes life into every reaction. And the opening scenes, alongside Zedd's musical score, elevate the episode into something truly special, promising an epic journey packed with both heart and adventure.
The Beautiful Opening Sequence: A Visual Feast by Zedd
The opening sequence, composed by the renowned artist Zedd, is nothing short of mesmerizing. Featuring vibrant, nostalgic scenes of the Z Fighters transformed into children, the animation seamlessly blends stunning visuals with a powerful soundtrack. The music syncs perfectly with the imagery, creating an atmosphere of both mystery and excitement. Zedd’s mastery shines through, setting the tone for the entire episode.
In the opening, we are introduced to various characters—Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Bulma, Master Roshi—who all react differently to their youthful forms. Bulma and Master Roshi embrace the change with open arms, reveling in their newfound youth. On the other hand, Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Krillin are visibly shocked, struggling to accept their transformations. This opening paints a clear contrast between the lighthearted and more serious tones that will shape the rest of the episode.
Goten and Trunks as Babies: A Touch of Humor and Heart
One of the episode's most heartwarming moments comes when Goten and Trunks are revealed to have been transformed into infants. Despite their tiny, adorable forms, they can still communicate telepathically, providing a moment of both humor and emotional depth. The sight of these beloved characters as babies, combined with their ability to speak to each other through telepathy, adds a unique dynamic to the story.
Dende’s Kidnapping: Enter Supreme Kai’s Brother and Demon King Gomah
As the episode progresses, the stakes are raised when Dende is kidnapped, leading Supreme Kai to suspect that his brother, Degesu, is behind it. Alongside Degesu is the ominous Demon King Gomah, whose involvement introduces the demon realm as a crucial element in this episode. Supreme Kai’s suspicions are quickly confirmed, and we learn that Degesu has sinister plans that involve both Dende and the Z Fighters.
The episode also introduces a key subplot involving an old Kaioshin spaceship, which is necessary to reach the demon realm but has fallen into disrepair. In typical Dragon Ball fashion, the responsibility to fix the ship falls to Bulma, setting the stage for some of her brilliant engineering work. The introduction of this ship hints at larger cosmic themes that Dragon Ball Daima is ready to explore, including the deeper connection between the Kais and the demon realm.
The Struggle of Adjusting to Youth: Goku and Piccolo’s Challenge
One of the most compelling aspects of this episode is watching Goku and Piccolo attempt to adjust to their new, younger bodies. Goku, in particular, finds it difficult to control his now lighter frame, leading to a series of amusing but relatable moments. Piccolo, always the stoic figure, also struggles, showing that even the strongest warriors are vulnerable to sudden changes.
This arc brings back some of the nostalgic feeling of the original Dragon Ball, where Goku, as a child, had to discover his strength over time. Now, as he finds himself in a youthful body again, the challenge is not in the power he wields but in controlling it in a way that is both efficient and sustainable. Piccolo, likewise, must navigate his new form while keeping a level head, adding to the episode’s thematic depth.
Goku’s Nyoibo: A Callback to Original Dragon Ball Lore
Fans of the original series will be delighted to see Goku reintroduce his iconic Nyoibo (Power Pole) during a dinner scene with the Z Fighters. This moment serves as a nostalgic callback to his early adventures, connecting Daima’s story to the roots of Dragon Ball. The Nyoibo has always been a symbol of Goku’s connection to his past, and its appearance in this episode underscores the importance of the older lore in shaping the new series.
The dinner scene itself is a wonderful moment of respite for the Z Fighters, providing them a chance to regroup and strategize about their next steps. As Goku reintroduces the Nyoibo, it signals a return to the simplicity and innocence of his early days, even as the plot thickens with more complex challenges on the horizon.
The Introduction of Glori0: A Kaioshin from the Demon Realm
As the episode nears its climax, we are introduced to a mysterious figure named Glorious, a Kaioshin from the demon realm. Glorio arrives with the sole mission of retrieving Goku and taking him to the demon realm to fight against Demon King Gomah. His introduction adds another layer to the growing tension between the Kais and the demons, setting up an epic showdown in future episodes.
Glorio, as a character, brings a sense of intrigue to the story. His connection to the demon realm suggests that the Kais are not as unified as previously believed, and his presence adds a sense of urgency to the Z Fighters' mission. The episode ends with Goku and Glorio flying off into the unknown, leaving viewers eager to see what lies ahead in the demon realm.
A Stunning Episode Packed with Lore and Character Development
Dragon Ball Daima Episode 2 is a beautiful blend of animation, storytelling, and character development. From Shenron's intriguing new rules to the introduction of Glorious and the demon realm, this episode lays the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting adventure. The stunning visuals, crafted by Yuya Takahashi, combined with Zedd’s powerful score, make this episode an absolute visual treat. As Goku and the rest of the Z Fighters embark on this new journey, fans are left eager for what’s next in the saga.
This episode is not just a continuation of the story but a deep dive into the lore of Dragon Ball—honoring the past while forging a new path forward
